As the Premier League returns for its 34th season, marking 127 years of top-flight football in England, we’re reminded of the UK’s foundational role in shaping the global game. England is home to the world’s first football league, and its history is rich with not only moments of entertainment but also progress, resilience, and transformation.

Today, Black players make up 61% of the England national team, with stars like Bukayo Saka, Reece James, and Eberechi Eze leading the charge. This marks a powerful shift from the 1980s, when only eight Black players had represented England, including trailblazers such as John Barnes, Ricky Hill, Howard Gayle, and Justin Fashanu.

To honour this legacy, we’re spotlighting 11 groundbreaking milestones achieved by or with Black male players in English football. From barrier-breaking pioneers to transformative talents, this timeline celebrates the powerful “firsts” that have helped shape the story of Black footballers in the English game.

Arthur Wharton: First Black Professional Footballer (1889)

In 1889, Arthur Wharton made history as the first Black professional footballer in England, signing with Rotherham Town. Born in 1865 in Ghana, Wharton played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Sheffield United, where he became the first Black player in England’s top division. His legacy was formally recognised in 2003 with induction into the English Football Hall of Fame.

William Clarke: First Black Goal scorer in the Football League (1901)

Born on 3 March 1878 to a Guyanese father, Clarke grew up in Glasgow and began his career with junior clubs in Scotland. In December 1901, while playing for Aston Villa, he became the first Black professional footballer to score in the English Football League. He also became the second Black player to represent Scotland, and later served in World War I, earning multiple medals.

Tony Collins: First Black Football League Manager (1960)

Born in London in 1926, Tony Collins played for several clubs including Watford, Norwich City, and Crystal Palace, becoming the first Black player at many of them. In 1960, he became the first Black manager in the Football League, leading Rochdale to the 1962 League Cup Final, a historic achievement that remains unmatched by the club.

Viv Anderson MBE: First Black England Senior International (1978)

Viv Anderson, born in Nottingham in 1956, was a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s golden era. In 1978, he became the first Black footballer to represent England’s senior men’s team, debuting in a friendly against Czechoslovakia. He earned 30 caps and played in four major tournaments, paving the way for future generations. After retiring from professional football, Anderson co-founded Playon Pro, an organisation dedicated to supporting former athletes as they transition to life beyond sport, tackling often-overlooked challenges such as mental health, financial wellbeing, and social isolation.

West Bromwich Albion: First Club to Regularly Field Three Black Players (1978–79)

During the 1978–79 season, West Bromwich Albion became the first English club to regularly field three Black players: Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, and Brendon Batson, known as “The Three Degrees.” Through their talent and resilience, they challenged deep rooted racism and reshaped perceptions of Black athletes in top-tier football, helping to shift public attitudes from prejudice toward greater acceptance and admiration.

Luther Blissett: First Black England Hat-Trick Scorer (1982)

Jamaican-born Luther Blissett became the first Black player to score a hat-trick for England, netting three goals on his debut in a 9–0 win over Luxembourg in 1982. He played for Watford, AC Milan, and AFC Bournemouth, and still holds Watford’s all-time records for appearances and goals.

Peter Ndlovu: First African Premier League Player (1992)

Born in Zimbabwe, Peter Ndlovu made history in 1992 as the first African footballer to play in the Premier League, representing Coventry City. He scored his first goal against Sheffield Wednesday, and his presence helped open doors for African talent in English football, such as Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadji Diouf, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré and Didier Drogba to name but a few.

Paul Ince: First Black England Captain (1993)

In 1993, Paul Ince made history as the first Black player to captain the England men’s national team, during a friendly against the United States. Known for his leadership and tenacity, Ince played for clubs including West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United. He later proceeded to manage several teams, continuing to break ground in English football having most recently managed Reading in April 2023.

Andy Cole: First Black Golden Boot Winner (1994)

In the 1993–94 season, Andy Cole scored 34 goals for Newcastle United, earning the Premier League Golden Boot and becoming the first Black player to win the award. His record remains unmatched for a 42-game season. Cole later starred for Manchester United, winning five league titles and the Champions League.

Uriah Rennie: First Black Premier League Referee (1997)

Born in Jamaica in 1959, Uriah Rennie became the first Black referee in the Premier League on 13 August 1997, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon. Over his career, he refereed over 300 Premier League matches and was a FIFA-listed official, known for his fitness and authority on the pitch.

Arsenal: First Team to Field Nine Black Players in a Starting XI (2002)

On 28 September 2002, Arsenal made history by fielding nine Black players in their starting lineup against Leeds United. Managed by Arsène Wenger, the team included stars like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Ashley Cole. Arsenal won 4–1, showcasing the strength and influence of Black players in the modern game.

Celebrating Over 100 Years of Black Footballers in England's League